ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Defence
DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs
Indigenously developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missiles  were successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank  Arjun by Defence Research and Development Organisation  and Indian Army at KK Ranges with support of Armoured Corps Centre & School  Ahmednagar in Maharashtra on August 04, 2022. The missiles hit with precision and successfully destroyed the targets at two different ranges. Telemetry systems have recorded the satisfactory flight performance of the missiles.
The all-indigenous Laser Guided ATGM employs a tandem High Explosive Anti-Tank  warhead to defeat Explosive Reactive Armour  protected armoured vehicles. The ATGM has been developed with multi-platform launch capability and is currently undergoing technical evaluation trials from 120 mm rifled gun of MBT Arjun.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO and Indian Army for successful performance of the Laser Guided ATGMs. Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated the teams associated with the test firing of Laser Guided ATGMs.
Ministry of Finance
DRI seizes of 85.535 kg gold, apprehends 4 foreign nationals in Operation “Molten Metal”
In an intelligence operation by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence , code-named “Molten Metal”, several Indian and foreign  nationals suspected to be indulging in smuggling gold into India from Hong Kong using the air cargo route, were identified. The intelligence indicated that the gold smuggled in the form of machinery parts was being melted and moulded into bar/cylinder shapes before being disposed of in the local market.
Acting upon the said intelligence, DRI officers examined an import consignment at Air Cargo Complex, Indira Gandhi International Airport. During the examination, the consignment was found to contain electroplating machines fitted with transformers. The ‘EI’ laminates of the transformers were found to have been made of gold coated with nickel, essentially to hide the identity of the gold. Approximately 1 kg of gold was recovered from each of the 80 imported electroplating machines.
In a swift follow-up operation, further recovery of 5.409 kg of foreign-origin gold smuggled into India earlier adopting a similar modus operandi, was made from a Delhi-based jeweller. Further, during search operations conducted in several rented properties in Chattarpur and Gurgaon, four foreign nationals  were found to be using sophisticated metallurgical techniques to convert the smuggled gold in the form of ‘EI’ laminates into bar/cylindrical form for further distribution. These activities were being conducted by the foreign nationals in rented farmhouses/apartments in plush localities in South Delhi and Gurgaon and extreme precautions were being taken by them to keep the illegal nature of their activities hidden even from their immediate neighbors.
The recovered gold, totally weighing 85.535 kg, valued at approximately Rs. 42 crore, has been seized. The four foreign nationals involved in the smuggling activities have been apprehended and are being questioned. During questioning, it has been revealed that two of the foreign nationals had stuck up a close relationship while being behind bars for their previous offenses of gold smuggling. Further investigation is in progress.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Shri Piyush Goyal holds videoconference with stakeholders of Start-up ecosystem
Minister of Railways and Commerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal today held a meeting through Video Conference with the stakeholders of Start-up ecosystem, including developers, leading startups, Angel investors and others, to assess the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown in the country. The meeting was also attended by the Officers from Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, SEBI, CBDT, CBIC, NITI Aayog, and SIDBI.
The Minister stressed the important role being played by Startups in the country as the harbingers of hope and for the future of the country. He said that the country is passing through the unprecedented crisis, and this requires prompt remedial actions. He sought everybody’s cooperation in overcoming the hardships being faced by the industry, particularly the startups. Shri Goyal said that it is the positive spirit of the Startup entrepreneurs that is making them rise to the occasion and trying to find solutions to various problems linked to COVID-30. He welcomed the launch of Action COVID-19 Team  which is starting a Rs 100 crore programme, aimed to seed over 50 initiatives through grants to combat the economic fallout of COVID-19 in India. The Minister also welcomed another startup venture which is trying to help the Kirana  stores in Tier-II and Tier-III towns, overcome the issues of supply chain and scarcity of resources. After listening to the various problems and suggestions by the startup stakeholders, Shri Goyal called for collaborative efforts.
In the meeting, it was mentioned that many Start-ups have been working on finding various solutions to COVID-19 issues with focus on preventive, Assistive and curative aspects of the pandemic. Many of the ventures are in the final stage of launch and others will require some more time to take shape. These ventures will require access, funding, validation, scaling-up, and support. A joint committee from various Government departments and industry associations are evaluating these initiatives. The participants raised specific issues with the Officers present in the meeting. Many a solutions were pointed out in the meeting and it was decided that some suggestions of the startup fraternity needs detailed consideration. The Startup representatives raised the concerns, ranging from the question of their survival, liquidity crunch, cash flow and revenue problems, labour matters, and other difficulties in running the ventures due to lockdown, etc.
YB/AP
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Cabinet
Cabinet approves MoU between the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur, Dhaka for Cooperation in Military Education
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval to the Memorandum of Understanding  between the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Defence Services Command and Staff College, Mirpur, Dhaka for Cooperation concerning Military Education in the Field of Strategic and Operational Studies.
The MoU will enable establishment of a framework for enhanced cooperation in the field of military education concerning strategic and operational studies and promotion of closer and long-term cooperation between the two countries.
Given the geographical and cultural closeness between the two countries, there are many common challenges like countering terrorism that needs joint action. Hence, there is a need for better coordination and cooperation among the armed forces. The joint training and exercises will help to bring symmetry in capacities of the armed forces and contribute to countering and managing common threats and challenges much better. The MoU enhances public accountability by way of exchange of information and technology between India and Bangladesh.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines issued to regulate shared mobility and reducing traffic congestion and pollution
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has issued the Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines 2020 as per the requirements and provisions of the Motor Vehicles  Act, 2019 and further as per the amended Section 93 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
The objectives of issuing these guidelines include:
• Regulating shared mobility and reducing traffic congestion and pollution, the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 has been amended by the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act, 2019 to include the definition of the term ‘aggregator’.
• Prior to the amendment the regulation of Aggregator was not available
• To provide ease of doing business, customer safety and driver welfare
The Guidelines provide for -
• License issued by the State Government is a mandatory re-requisite for permitting business operations by the aggregator.
• For regulating the aggregators, the guidelines specified by the Central Government may be followed by State Governments
• In order to ensure compliance with the license requirements the Act stipulates penalties under Section 93 of the Act.
• These Guidelines seek to establish a regulatory framework for aggregators by State Governments to ensure that the aggregator’s are accountable and responsible for the operations executed by them.
• The business shall also be considered as a service provided by the aggregators to serve the larger public interest in terms of generation of employment, commutation facilities to the public which is cost effective and comfortable.
• enable the government to achieve its goal of ensuring maximisation of using public transport, reduced fuel consumption consequently reducing the import bill, reduced vehicular pollution thereby reduced harm to human health.
• This Ministry vide notification dated S.O. No. 5333 dated 18th October, 2018 has exempted the electric vehicles and vehicles running on Ethanol or Methanol from the requirements of Permit. The State Governments to facilitate operations of such vehicles.
Proposed Guidelines to ensure -
regulation of aggregators,
eligibility conditions / qualifications for of an entity to be an aggregator,
compliances with regard to vehicles and drivers
compliances with regard to Aggregator App and Website
manner of fare regulation,
drivers welfare
service to citizens parameters and ensuring safety
evolving concepts like pooling and ride sharing in private cars,
license fees / security deposit and powers that the State Governments
In a communication to all the States and UTs today, the Ministry has stressed upon implementing these guidelines.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
InterModal Station at Ajni in resonance with Environmental Impact Assessment
Nagpur 28 November 2020
Speculation is around the corner that about 7,000 trees are proposed to be felled for the proposed InterModal Station Project  at Ajani in Nagpur . Regional office of National Highway Authority of India clarified that the IMS project is in resonance with Environment Impact Assessment. As per Detailed Project Study approximately only 1,940 trees are proposed to be felled. It is also proposed that the maximum number of these trees shall be replanted or transplanted as per the advice of Forest Department and Forest Experts. Regional office of NHAI also informed that a compensatory afforestation of 25,000 trees shall be carried out by the NHAI on the available vacant spaces on the National Highway Projects land in and around Nagpur.
InterModal Station proposed to be constructed at Ajni, with a Land Acquisition of 44.4 acres of Indian Railway land, available adjacent to Railway tracks, for handling capacity of over 3 lakhs passengers per day with a facility of Bus Stand , Railway Station and a Metro Station in the proposed vicinity. This Project is taken up for development of the city of Nagpur in the best interest of people as currently Nagpur Central Station is heavily congested and has limited scope of expansion. There are no organized bus terminuses for intra-city & inter-city buses. This is leading to an increase in road traffic and corresponding pollution across the city.
The proposed InterModal Station will also save 16,31,737 litres of fuel and prevent 75,65,196 Kgs. of Carbon Dioxide emissions over a period of up to year 2050.
Accordingly, this facility is being developed in an environmentally friendly manner, with sufficient open and green spaces incorporated in the design. The development of this facility shall lead to environmental benefits including reduction in congestion and pollution, stated a press release issued by Regional office of NHAI in Nagpur.
PIB Headquarters
INFORMATION KIOSKS FOR E- FILING FOR IT- RETURNS INAUGURATED
To Facilitate E-filing of Income Tax Returns, as a part of KARDATA E-SAHYOG PROGRAMME, information kiosks and help desks were inaugurated here today at Income Tax Offices at IT Towers in Masab Tank; Ayakar Bhawan in Basheer Bagh and at Signature Towers in Kondapur. It is compulsory to file Return of Income for the AY 2019-20  in electronic form only, barring certain cases of Senior Citizens. The staff at the information kiosks would help public to file their income tax returns.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Statement on the US support for TRIPS Waiver
In view of the global health crisis and the need to combat the Covid 19 pandemic, India and South Africa proposed in WTO on 2nd Oct, 2020 a relaxation in the norms of the agreement on TRIPS, to ensure quick and affordable access to vaccines and medicines for developing countries. As a result of proactive outreach by India and other like-minded countries, the proposal has received the support of more than 120 countries.
During his recent phone call on 26 April 2021 with the US President Biden, Prime Minister informed him about India’s initiative at the WTO which was aimed at the benefit of humanity.
We welcome the statement of the US government of 5th May announcing their support for this initiative. We are hopeful that with a consensus based approach, the waiver can be approved quickly at the WTO. The waiver is an important step for enabling rapid scaling up of manufacture and timely availability of affordable Covid 19 vaccines and essential medical products.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister condoles the loss of life due to Hagibis Typhoon in Japan
India stands in solidarity with Japan at this difficult hour: PM
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi condoles the loss of life caused by Hagibis Typhoon in Japan. He said,”I offer condolences on behalf of all Indians on the loss of life caused by super-typhoon Hagibis in Japan. I wish early recovery from the damage and devastation caused by this natural calamity. I am sure that the preparedness and resilience of the Japanese people and the leadership of my friend Shinzo Abe would be able to address the aftermath effectively and quickly. Japan’s preparedness against natural disasters is well appreciated. India stands in solidarity with Japan at this difficult hour. Personnel of the Indian Navy, in Japan on a scheduled visit, will be happy to assist immediately”.
President's Secretariat
President of India writes to Smt. Namita Kaul Bhattacharya on the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee; Atalji was truly the Renaissance Man of Indian Politics, writes President
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, has written to Smt Namita Kaul Bhattacharya, conveying his condolences on the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India.
In his message, the President said, “My condolences at the passing of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee; my heartfelt emotions are with you and others in the family in this moment of profound tragedy. Atalji’s death is of course a personal loss for you and others at home. It is also a personal loss for me. It was his stature and dignity that attracted me to public life, as I gave up the legal profession to become his colleague. Working with him was an unforgettable experience. Years later, when I called on him after being elected President of India, he was bed-ridden but responded as only he could with a movement of his eyes. Silently I felt he blessed me.
Atalji’s loss has also been felt in millions of homes across the country. He was our much loved former Prime Minister, a national leader of rare distinction and a statesman of modern India. In his long and distinguished public career, he touched innumerable lives in innumerable ways – as a freedom fighter and an intellectual, as a writer and a poet, as a parliamentarian and an administrator and finally as Prime Minister. He was truly the Renaissance Man of Indian politics.
As the Prime Minister of India, Atalji was an example of grace under pressure, and of decisive leadership in challenging circumstances. The Pokhran tests of 1998, the Kargil crisis of 1999, the economic changes his government brought about, and the growth and development track on which it put our country’s GDP – his was a term rich in achievements and in legacy. The Bharat Ratna conferred on him in 2015 was a fitting manifestation of India’s affection and gratitude. The loss of this large-hearted, larger-than-life leader will be sensed not only in India but across the world.
Please once more accept my deepest condolences and convey these to the countless friends and admirers of Atalji. May the Almighty give you and other members of the family the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.
Hindi Version of the condolence letter
Cabinet
Cabinet approves setting up of a world class Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi by ITPO
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal of India Trade Promotion Organisation , a Mini Ratna Category-1 Company under the Department of Commerce, for redevelopment of Pragati Maidan by setting up of a world class Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre  at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
The total cost of the project will be Rs.2,254 crore. ITPO will utilise Rs.1,200 crore out of its free reserves towards funding of the project. ITPO will raise institutional loan / soft loan / external aid / land monetization for the balance amount of Rs.1,054 crore with government guarantee for the amount of institutional loan.
The redevelopment of Pragati Maidan is envisaged in two phases. Phase-1 redevelopment is expected to complete by May 2019. Phase-1 of the project will result in redevelopment of nearly 3.26 lakh sq.mtrs. After redevelopment, the exhibition space will be doubled to 1.19 lakh sq.mtr. as against 65,000 sq.mtr. presently. Redevelopment will also include creation of a state-of-the-art Convention Center with seating capacity of 7,000 persons.
For execution of this mega project, ITPO has assigned the work to National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd.  as a Project Management Consultant. ITPO would call for global bidding for selection of project executor for construction of the project.
With India’s growing international profile and increasing presence at summit, ministerial and other levels, a need has been felt to have a modern world class Integrated Exhibition-cum-Convention Centre at New Delhi to provide an appropriate venue for international events. Present facilities are far short of international standards.
To ease road congestion, grade separator will be provided at the junction of Mathura Road and Bhairon Road. Also, there will be direct connectivity through subway from Mathura Road to Ring Road across Pragati Maidan.
Vice President's Secretariat
A stint of service in National Cadet Corps has to be made compulsory in all educational institutions: VP;
The training provided by the National Cadet Corps assures better future for the nation: VP
The National Cadet Corps stands for the timeless values of universal brotherhood, national integration and secularism: VP
The Vice President Congratulates the National Cadet Corps for their outstanding drill display
Inaugurates NCC Republic Day camp in New Delhi
The Vice President of India Shri. M Venkaiah Naidu said that a stint of service in National Cadet Corps  has to be made compulsory in all educational institutions. He was addressing the cadets of the National Cadet Corps at the inaugural ceremony of the Republic Day camp in New Delhi today.
Shri. Naidu congratulated the cadets for their enthusiasm and energy, for their outstanding drill and their confidence. He observed that the Camp, which would foster feelings of unity and patriotism, would serve as a memorable and motivating learning experience. The Vice President urged the cadets to make the best possible use of the camp by participating in all activities conducted at the Camp with sincerity and commitment.
Shri. Naidu said that the training provided by NCC since its inception has played a vital role in inculcating the qualities of discipline, leadership, camaraderie, team spirit, adventure and national integration, thereby leading to the holistic development of the Nation’s youth and assuring a better future.
He added that the camp would be a unique opportunity not only to understand the country better, but also to widen one’s horizons and foster lasting friendship with fellow cadets from other nations.
Highlighting the timeless values of universal brotherhood, national integration and secularism for which NCC stood for, Shri. Naidu applauded the selfless service undertaken by the cadets of NCC in times of crisis and natural disasters like earthquakes, cyclones, floods, etc.
The Vice President also appreciated the crucial role played by NCC Cadets in educating the masses about Government driven Social Programmes like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, AIDS Awareness, Adult Education, Anti Dowry, Anti Leprosy and Anti corruption campaigns etc. Expressing complete faith in the hard work done by the cadets of NCC, Shri. Naidu said that their efforts would definitely strengthen our social fabric.
Congratulating the cadets for excelling in all walks of life, the Vice President applauded the exceptional performance that the NCC Cadets have displayed in the field of sports, especially shooting. He expressed hope that NCC would keep grooming outstanding sports persons who would make our country proud in the times to come.
The Vice President interacted with cadets at the Republic Day Camp and appreciated their participation in the camp. The Director General of NCC Lt Gen PP Malhotra, officers and more than 500 cadets took part in the inaugural ceremony